The Hall of Supreme Harmony is one of the most iconic buildings in the Forbidden City located in Beijing, China. This magnificent structure was the throne room where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held various ceremonies and state affairs.
The Layout of the Hall of Supreme Harmony
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest imperial palace in China, and it consists of three main halls: the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. These halls were designed to represent different aspects of Chinese culture.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest of the halls, with a height of 35 meters and an area of over 2,300 square meters. It is the tallest building in the Forbidden City and was mainly used for important ceremonies and events like the Emperor’s birthday, coronation, and New Year’s celebrations.
The History of the Hall of Supreme Harmony
The construction of the Hall of Supreme Harmony started in 1406 and took three years to complete under the order of Emperor Yongle, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. In 1695, Emperor Kangxi, the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty, ordered the reconstruction of the hall after it was damaged by a fire in 1690.
Throughout the years, the Hall of Supreme Harmony has undergone numerous renovations and repairs, including one in 1954 when it was turned into a museum. The hall has also been the site of many political events, including the 1949 Founding Ceremony of the People’s Republic of China.
The Symbolism of the Hall of Supreme Harmony
The Hall of Supreme Harmony was designed with great attention to detail and symbolized the power and authority of the emperor. The hall was built on a three-tiered platform, which was meant to represent the three levels of the universe in traditional Chinese cosmology: Heaven, Earth, and Man.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony also has a series of decorative elements, including dragon pillars, gold-plated statues, and painted beams. The dragon pillars symbolize the emperor’s power, while the gold-plated statues represent the imperial family and the painted beams depict various historical and mythological scenes.
The Dragon Throne
The centerpiece of the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the Dragon Throne, which was where the emperor would sit during ceremonies. The throne is made of gold and jade and has nine dragons carved into the backrest, representing the nine sons of the dragon in Chinese mythology.
Conclusion
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is an important symbol of Chinese culture and a key tourist attraction in Beijing. It is a testament to the skill and creativity of traditional Chinese architects and craftsmen who designed and built the hall over six centuries ago. Visitors who come to the Forbidden City must not miss out on this magnificent structure that has stood the test of time.